Publication year: 2011
Source: The Arts in Psychotherapy, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 18 July 2011
Eva, Marxen
The purpose of this paper is to discuss art works in terms of pain and suffering expressions and to present the transforming aspect of art, placing it within the context of art therapy. The art works of six contemporary/modern artists of different countries are analyzed under the aspects of pain, embodiment, commitment, and transformation. The comprehension of pain through art is furthermore explained by hermeneutic theory stressing the symbolic and atemporal character of art. Thus art can open the horizon for transcending the individual and present aspects of pain, as well as providing insights into both spectator and author. These…
Highlights: ► Art works are analyzed in terms of pain and suffering expressions. ► The transforming aspect of art is discussed in professional art making as well as in the context of art therapy. ► The comprehension of pain through art is furthermore explained by hermeneutic theory stressing the symbolic and atemporal character of art. ► Art can open the horizon for transcending the individual and present aspects of pain, as well as providing insights into both spectator and author.